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Comment by ohmanjjj | Hacker News Reader

Apple paid protection money. Pretty simple, no need to sugar coat it

That I am aware of, "protection money" clearly implies that the payments are to a criminal organization - which is separate from, and unauthorized by, the established state. The MacRumors story seems very clear that Apple and Mr. Cook's deal was with the Chinese government, and the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

Do you have information to the contrary? Or is your point merely to voice anger at China, the CCP, Apple, and/or Mr. Cook?

> That I am aware of, "protection money" clearly implies that the payments are to a criminal organization - which is separate from, and unauthorized by, the established state.

The phrase is also very commonly used to refer to money paid to government officials who are corrupt. One could still quibble over whether this is technically “corruption” since it might very well be totally legal and encouraged under Chinese law, but I think the usage of the phrase here is quite suitable.

When politicians use their power to threaten and block access to markets, the behavior is no different from that of a criminal gang.

Using power to gain unfair advantage.

So yes, this is protection money / bribe.

> criminal organization - which is separate from, and unauthorized by, the established state

When the government of an established state violates human rights and international law (like the Geneva Convention), I don't think it's incorrect to call that government a criminal organization.

So the US is a criminal organization.

On what basis?

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